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Firesmart Community Grants Program (FCGP)
Last Update: March 24, 2026
British Columbia, Canada
Supports wildfire preparedness and mitigation for First Nations communities
Grant and Funding
Overview
The FireSmart Community Grants Program provides funding to First Nations communities for wildfire risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and resilience activities, including wildfire risk assessments, crew training, fuel management, and community engagement. The program supports non-structural mitigation initiatives, such as vegetation clearing, fire mapping, and the purchase of low-value emergency equipment, with applications accepted until March 31, 2026 or until funds are exhausted; the maximum funding amount is not specified.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Strengthening governance
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- $ 300,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Activities funded
- Wildfire pre-suppression planning and risk assessments.
- Implementation of fuel reduction and vegetation management measures.
- Training and equipping teams for wildland fire suppression duties.
- Organization of FireSmart training, workshops, or community engagement initiatives.
- Development and application of fire mapping and fire breaks.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 85,500
Development of bilingual e-commerce platform for local artisan products
$ 48,800
Launch of after-school STEM robotics program for Indigenous youth
$ 61,000
Purchase of specialty equipment to launch gluten-free bakery products
$ 27,500
Implementation of inventory software to optimize cooperative supply chain
$ 41,800
Renovation of storefront with accessible entry and energy-efficient lighting
$ 129,000
Installation of solar panels on community cooperative facility roof
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a First Nations community, Tribal council, or Indigenous organization.
- The proposed project must directly support First Nations on a reserve (as defined in the Indian Act), lands set aside in Yukon as per Cabinet Directive, or lands formerly defined as reserve or set-aside now forming part of modern treaty settlement lands.
- The project must focus on wildland fire non-structural mitigation, preparedness, or related eligible FireSmart activities.
Who is eligible?
- First Nations communities
- Tribal councils
- Indigenous organizations
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of low-value equipment for emergency preparedness and mitigation, including firefighter protective gear, vegetation management equipment, and fire suppression tools.
Eligible geographic areas
- First Nations communities located on reserves across Canada, including lands set aside in Yukon.
- Lands formerly defined as reserves or lands set aside that are now part of modern treaty settlement lands.
- For British Columbia: Projects are administered specifically through the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS).
How to apply
1
Confirm eligibility requirements
- Review the Emergency Management FireSmart Program eligibility requirements
- Confirm your organization qualifies as a First Nations community, tribal council, or eligible Indigenous organization
- Identify if your lands are eligible according to the program guidelines
2
Complete the application form
- Prepare the Emergency Management FireSmart Program application form for the 2025 to 2026 period
- Locate the application form using the provided code (6978382) on the Proposals, applications, work plans web page
- Ensure all fields are completed accurately according to the funding guidelines
3
Submit the application to ISC or FNESS
- Submit your completed application form to your ISC regional office emergency management contact
- If located in British Columbia, contact the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) for application instructions
- Follow all submission guidelines as stipulated by program requirements
4
Await application review results
- Wait for confirmation that your application has been received and is under review
- Be aware that proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is exhausted or until March 31, 2026
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by UBCM, working with BC Wildfire Service, FNESS, and FESBC, as part of the program administration.
- The program assesses applications against the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports objectives.
- Applicants are informed of the outcome after the review process.
- If approved, the program proceeds under the applicable program and funding terms managed by UBCM and its partners.
- For First Nations communities, support is available from FNESS to help navigate the process.
Additional information
- Proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis until available funding is depleted or until March 31, 2026.
- In British Columbia, FireSmart funding is administered by the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS), which requires communities to contact FNESS directly for application procedures.
- Other federal funding programs, such as the First Nations Adapt Program and the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program, may cover related activities and infrastructure needs.
- The Emergency Management Assistance Program allows for the purchase of low-value equipment necessary for emergency preparedness and mitigation.
Contacts
cri-swpi@ubcm.ca
2503562947
